Ongoing Test match XI speculation thread.

[hugecannon]

I’d give Pucovski a full season as an opener at shield level before looking at him in the test side, given his history of head knocks and mental health issues I’d be worried about how he’ll cope against India whilst potentially having to also deal with being in a hub like atmosphere.

Id also give Green another season as he continues to built his body up to be able to bowl consistently.

However I wouldn’t complain about either being selected as they’re clearly supremely talented kids!

 

[JackOutback]

I think both Green and Pucovski May get a gig late in the series if and when one of Burns, Head or Wade fails. There’s just no need to rush them in.

As for Harris, don’t think he’s getting the gig just yet. He’s been tried and failed so he needs more than one innings to walk back in. I’d be pleased if he can put together a solid season, but it’s gonna take more than one knock to forget those wild slashes he would make.

 

[1990crow]

Tough selection that's for sure.

If Pucovski can get another hundred next shield match I would be inclined to pick him as opener with Warner.
Wade at 6 doesn't inspire me with confidence, think he's lacking the talent we need there.

Pucovski
Warner
Labuschagne
Smith
Head
Green
Paine
Cummins
Starc
Lyon
Hazlewood

 

[Carbine Chaos]

Harris is too flaky for Test level, and I wouldn’t want to play both he and Head in the same batting line up. I don’t particularly rate his fielding either.

Great to see Pucovski putting his names up in lights for an opportunity, hopefully his head is in the right space if it comes along and he can make the most of any chance he gets.

 

[Cyrilyouchampion]

Will Pucovski and Marcus Harris are no chance to be picked for Australia for two reasons now:
1. They’re Victorians, and
2. They’ve broken the Waugh bros‘ record for the highest ever partnership - that in itself is a criminal offence.

 

[Spitting_Cobra]

It's a tough call. Harris was given an extended run and didn't really capitalise, he's also really similar to Warner which makes me hesitant to back them in together. I think we need to see Pucovski play a full season opening before you give him a Test spot. This was against South Australia after all.

 

[Kyptastic]

It's a tough call. Harris was given an extended run and didn't really capitalise, he's also really similar to Warner which makes me hesitant to back them in together. I think we need to see Pucovski play a full season opening before you give him a Test spot. This was against South Australia after all.

He’s batted at #3 most of his shield career. If you can bat at 3 you can open the batting, it’s not a big shift.

 

[The Falcon Strike]

Not that I'd drop Burns yet - but this isn't Pucovski's first rodeo - he has runs in the bank - enough to be near selection.

It's the grind of regular cricket that he now needs to prove his body and mind can manage

 

[The Falcon Strike]

He’s batted at #3 most of his shield career. If you can bat at 3 you can open the batting, it’s not a big shift.

Not sure Langer ever opened for WA before he started opening for Australia. Was thrown in and thrived.

 

[Westend]

Burns is in trouble

 

[Westend]

Tough selection that's for sure.

If Pucovski can get another hundred next shield match I would be inclined to pick him as opener with Warner.
Wade at 6 doesn't inspire me with confidence, think he's lacking the talent we need there.

Pucovski
Warner
Labuschagne
Smith
Head
Green
Paine
Cummins
Starc
Lyon
Hazlewood

I would love to see this team for the first test

 

[Docker82]

Not that I'd drop Burns yet - but this isn't Pucovski's first rodeo - he has runs in the bank - enough to be near selection.

It's the grind of regular cricket that he now needs to prove his body and mind can manage

It’s his first shield game in nearly a year. He’s talented enough to play for Australia but the fact he’s only just back will and should work against him.

Harris isn’t nearly good enough for test level and shouldn’t be picked again short of a massive injury run. Even when looking at the Victorian side there’s two openers I’d pick before him, then there’s the two guys already in the test team who are far better players.

 

[Carbine Chaos]

Will Pucovski and Marcus Harris are no chance to be picked for Australia for two reasons now:
1. They’re Victorians

Bloody Aaron Finch was gifted a baggy green though...

 

[magpiemaniac44]

Burns has scored 7, 29 and 0 this Shield, he isn’t exactly lighting it up. I think he will probably still get the nod though but I hope they give it to Pucovski. Posters are forgetting Puc was selected in the squad against Sri Lanka two years ago only to get jumped by Kurtis Patterson at the last moment, if Puc was picked then who knows what could’ve happened. If he was ready enough then he has had 1 and a 1/2 Shield seasons since then so I think he is ready.

 

[Spitting_Cobra]

I wouldn't, but Bancroft has just gone past 50. Whiteman is about to go past 50 too, his recent form has to have him in the discussion.

 

[Run n Spread]

It's a tough call. Harris was given an extended run and didn't really capitalise, he's also really similar to Warner which makes me hesitant to back them in together. I think we need to see Pucovski play a full season opening before you give him a Test spot. This was against South Australia after all.

Nah I'm picking him. Imo he is as talented as Green and if he is available pick him. Sorry but if we are serious about destigmatising mental health his sabbatical shouldn't be taken into it.
The kid could be the next Ponting. Or Waugh. Australian fans have been bitching for years there is no talent and batting middle order/opening spot is a mess well here you go.
Shield requires travel as well so not like he is isolated.

Just seems ridiculous to me we'd pick a Burns or Wade or back to Bancroft when this kid is towelling them up.
Best 6 bat in the country in addition with long term upside and if available picking him is a no brainer

 

[Spitting_Cobra]

Nah I'm picking him. Imo he is as talented as Green and if he is available pick him. Sorry but if we are serious about mental health his sabbatical shouldn't be taken into it.
The kid could be the next Ponting. Or Waugh. Australian fans have been bitching for years there is no talent and batting middle order/opening spot is a mess well here you go.
Shield requires travel as well so not like he is isolated.

Just seems ridiculous to me we'd pick a Burns or Wade or back to Bancroft when this kid is towelling them up.
Best 6 bats long term upside and if available picking him is a no brainer
Seems

I wasn't referring to his sabbatical, although that is something that will have to be taken into consideration. Moreso that he's opened once. Against the Redbacks.

 

[Run n Spread]

I wasn't referring to his sabbatical, although that is something that will have to be taken into consideration. Moreso that he's opened once. Against the Redbacks.

Drop Wade then. Jeebus I'd play him ahead of Head nearly. Talent to burn best 6 in the country and young. You don't hold talent like that back (reminds me the 05 ashes poms were thinking of picking Thorpe ahead of KP)
I know it is a sensitive issue but if he didn't make himself unavailable he would already have played.
If available don't stuff round. Pick him

 

[Seedsfan]

Puck would probably be 5th in line to open

Who else is right handed though? Bandcroft all the other opening options are lefties. If Burns makes way they like that left hand right hand so that will work in his favour

 

[Seedsfan]

It's a tough call. Harris was given an extended run and didn't really capitalise, he's also really similar to Warner which makes me hesitant to back them in together. I think we need to see Pucovski play a full season opening before you give him a Test spot. This was against South Australia after all.

He is 22 and already has three scores above 180 in the shield

 

[Spitting_Cobra]

Drop Wade then. Jeebus I'd play him ahead of Head nearly. Talent to burn best 6 in the country and young. You don't hold talent like that back (reminds me the 05 ashes poms were thinking of picking Thorpe ahead of KP)
I know it is a sensitive issue but if he didn't make himself unavailable he would already have played.
If available don't stuff round. Pick him

Wade is already out for mine. Green is my six regardless of whether or not he could bowl (he is now bowling) and Head is going absolutely nowhere. The only spot for him is as an opener and I suspect someone at CA has asked Victoria to play him there for that reason, all I'm saying is I'd like to see him play there more before he is given a Baggy Green to open. That's all.

 

[eddiesmith]

I wouldn't, but Bancroft has just gone past 50. Whiteman is about to go past 50 too, his recent form has to have him in the discussion.

I'm sure our WA posters who say Harris should never be considered again would say the same thing about Bancroft

 

[Kram]

If a youngster everyone is calling for gets picked, how long will it take for this board to turn against them if they don't set the world on fire straight away? One, 2 or 3 Tests?

 

[Kram]

Or if we are talking LukeParkerno1 1, 2 or 3 sessions?

 

[JackOutback]

I'm sure our WA posters who say Harris should never be considered again would say the same thing about Bancroft

For mine, both would have to put together a big season to be in consideration, show they have worked on the flaws that cost them both their spots. But they both obviously have talent and are young in the grand scheme of things (27/28). Both piling on runs is a good problem to have.